Protoform

Protoforms are part of a Transformer's life cycle in many Transformers continuities.

TeH Nekkid AiRrazzer!1!

A protoform is the first stage in a Transformer's life cycle. Consisting of an unspecified freeflowing metallic matter, the protoform only awaits a life-giving Spark and the information necessary to transform it into a fully-functional, alive Transformer being.

Protoforms are often contained within stasis pods and dropped into unexplored worlds.

Japanese name: Sentou-in (Beast Wars II)

Generation 1

Beast Wars II

Pretty spry for globs of pudding

Predacon protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of planet Gaia's past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the Autorollers.

Devil's Due G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers continuity

A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines: "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?"

From Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki, a Wikia wiki.